Here are a few  thoughts this afternoon about Fort Hood home builders. 

Some buyers think that buying a home from a nationally known home builder is the way to go.  

These BIG builders offer buyers "the moon" as incentive to buy their homes.   They offer to"pay" closing costs, buy interest rates down, put in refrigerators, sprinkler systems and privacy fences and even more to get the buyer's business.     

By the time the sales pitch is done, buyers are starry eyed and ready to sign that contract!  

But what buyers don't know, is that they are really paying for all those goodies.   Extras aren't "thrown in" for free.   And buyers may be paying for things they don't even want or need.   

Consider the sales price of an 1850 square foot home.  A well known national builder may price it at $156,000.   There may be no ceramic tile or decorator lighting, or other upgrade features.  Most of the homes only have brick on the front, and that translates into miles of siding that will eventually need painting.  (Who wants that in TEXAS in the summer?) 

The national builders have professional advertising that appeals to buyers.   They are seducing buyers with beautifully crafted  (and expensive) marketing materials,  along with television and internet advertising that promotes a lifestyle that is attractive to new home buyers. (Think MCDONALDS style advertising!)   (And who is paying for that advertising? Could it be YOU?) 

Here's another idea:  Consider the smaller, local builder.  Could an experienced local builder possibly offer a better product for a lower price? 

The smaller builder offers the 1850 square foot home for $139,900 for a beautiful quality built home.  If you want extras, you can add them on.  Need a fence?  That's about $3000.  Want a sprinkler system?  That's $2200.  A refrigerator?  $2000.  Closing costs?  $3500 should cover it.  That's a grand total of $151,600.  

Your $151,600 is buying a beautiful brick veneer home with upgrades like French doors, ceramic tile flooring, two tone paint, high ceilings, crown molding, custom built oak cabinets,  garden tub, separate showers, tile tub surrounds and other amenities. Your closing costs are paid and your landscape amenities are installed.   And you aren't paying for the builder's expensive advertising.  Or interest rate buydowns you don't need. 

Why would you spend approximately $5,000 MORE for a less attractive and possibly lesser quality home? 

Now, before you ask me, I have nothing against the national builders who are building homes at Fort Hood.  They meet the needs of many buyers. The continued popularity and sales of these homes prove that.    I even show and sell these homes, as well as selling homes by local Fort Hood builders. 

Just keep this in mind:  Before you settle for what the BIG national builders offer, ask your Ft Hood Realtor to show you homes by local builders, too.  You owe it to yourself to see what all Fort Hood builders offer, not just the national builders. 

It could SAVE YOU MONEY, and we all need more of that!